cross-posted from: https://feddit.it/post/23529720
I’m curious about trying meshtastic, and I was planning to buy the Wio L1 Tracker once aliexpress sales start. Though, I have read that the antenna isn’t quite great, so I was thinking about buying a better one. Also, I’m buying the pro one instead of the oled kit because for 15 extra euros I get both the battery and the assembled case.
The meshtastic website recommends the gizont 10dbi whip antenna for 868 mhz (I’m in europe). The problem is that the antenna comes in sma-male or in rp-sma-male, and I have no idea what connector the tracker has. I know I could just buy an extra ipex connector, but I’d rather keep the original one, rather than spending extra money, considering I’m not even sure to catch any node in my area.
Another question I have is if it’s reasonable to use a 10dbi antenna or if it’s too high gain, as I see people use ~6dbi antennas for base stations. I’m in an urban area most of the times, but I also plan on using it for hiking, a couple of time in the summer. I know nothing about radios, so I have no idea of how impactful are these numbers.
My Wio Tracker L1 Pro came with the rp connector, if I understand it correctly. The antenna has a center socket, while the device has a pin in the center.
I’ve only been using mine for a week or so with the factory antenna. Range doesn’t seem much better than my T1000-e with an internal antenna. I’ve been eyeballing a 10dbi whip that was recommended by others; it is not an rp, but it is $14 and comes with the appropriate ipex connector.
